On Friday afternoon, a Lake Hills man walked into the police lobby of City Hall to report he had murdered his wife. Patrol officers went to the man's home on the 100 block of 159th Avenue Southeast and found the body of a 71-year-old woman who had suffered apparent homicidal violence. The man was taken into custody and was interviewed by detectives.

The suspect made a full confession, stating he killed his wife Wednesday morning in her room, closed the door and locked it. The suspect claimed he was tired of his wife's verbal abuse, and killed her with a hatchet. The suspect, 71, was arrested for first-degree murder and booked into King County Jail.

The couple had been married for 46 years and has two children, who live in the greater Seattle area. There was some history of domestic violence in their past but nothing extensive. The suspect was retired from Boeing and U.S. Steel, each of 17 years.

The filing of charges is anticipated early this week. The identity of the victim will be released through the King County Medical Examiner's office. Family members have been notified of the incident.